Social Security Administration offers new "Retire Online" application service

By Staff Writer

Commentary January 06, 2009 at 07:00 PM

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The Social Security Administration's new campaign for its "Retire Online" application tool boasts the phrase, "it's now easier to retire than ever online." Let's hope that's true.

In the meantime, Social Security applicants will definitely be able to save time by applying for benefits on the Web. Applicants can go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on "Applying Online for Retirement Benefits."

"Social Security's new online retirement application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort of your home or office," said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, in a press statement. "Filing online means there's no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. "

The Social Security Administration has enlisted the help of Patty and Cathy Lane from the 1960s sitcom, "The Patty Duke Show," to promote the online service.

"To meet the needs of Patty and 80 million of her fellow baby boomers, who are becoming eligible for retirement at a rate of 10,000 a day for the next 20 years, Social Security is developing a wide range of online and automated services," Commissioner Astrue said. "In addition to our new online retirement application, and other services like our new Retirement Estimator, the highest rated online service in government, we are continuing to expand and improve our Internet service options. These services will help us provide the American public with world-class service for generations to come."

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